The long awaited first New York City meeting between the New York Red Bulls and NYCFC took place on late Sunday afternoon at the pitch at Yankee Stadium.

Despite the pre‐match hoopla, it was not the first of the New York Derby matches in 2015. NYC visited the Red Bulls at their arena in Harrison, New Jersey on May 10. The visitors were edged 2‐1. That loss continued a lengthy NYCFC winless streak, which did not end until June 6 with a 3‐1 win over the Philadelphia Union.

In a non‐league match on June 17, NYC traveled to Shuart Stadium on the campus of Hofstra University, where they bowed to the Cosmos after two tied overtime periods in the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup.

Those previous matches did not lower the intensity of interest in Sunday’s match as Yankee Stadium was sold out with a huge crowd of 48,047. Both coaches spoke of the importance of the importance of the very large attendance.

Jessie Marsch of the Red Bulls complimented his club’s followers, “We couldn’t have asked for more. They were fantastic.” After the contest, NYC’s Jason Kreis said of his club’s performance, “It was an opportunity lost to win over the fans.”

NYC, familiar with the nuances of their home pitch, took an early lead with a goal in the sixth minute as Thomas McNamara scored with assists by Andrew Jacobson and Mix Diskerud. That goal would be the last from the home side as the momentum of the match changed.

Another goal was not scored by either side in the first half, but both coaches noted a change. Marsch remarked, “It [match] probably settled down in the 25th minute. Then we started to push...We thought we had a size advantage and took advantage of it.” Kreis agreed, ‘I think the second half was a continuation of the end of the first half.”

The Red Bull duo that combined for the winning goal in the match on May 10 did so again on Sunday in the second minute of the second half. Bradley Wright‐ Phillips scored on an assist by Sacha Kljestan.

The visitors went ahead five minutes later as Chris Duvall scored. In the 72nd minute, the Red Bulls scored a season high third goal as Matt Miazga was set up by Kljestan. Miazga, who came up through the Red Bulls Academy, was very happy with his goal, “I wanted to contribute. Luckily, I was able to.”

Krteis was unusually critical of his club’s play, “it was the first time we didn’t get an honest effort from all our players. We scored too early.” He believed the early goal created an attitude of “complacency and comfort” in his team.

He also named as reasons for the loss, the early removal of injured defender Chris Wingert and fatigue caused by the heat and humidity.

The exciting New York rivalries have not yet ended this year. The red Bulls will be hosting the Cosmos in a U.S. Open Cup match on Wednesday. Marsch alluded to it in the post‐game press conference, “We will enjoy the win and think about how we can transition to Wednesday. We’re not taking that game lightly.” NYCFC will visit the Red Bulls in Harrison for a final regular season match in August.

Ivan Nova had a sleepless Tuesday night knowing in a few hours he would be making his season debut Wednesday afternoon at Yankee Stadium. The New York Yankees right-hander was anxious to get the ball again after a 14-month recovery and rehab stint from Tommy John surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

The wait was over and Nova was a boost the Yankees needed. More so, because the Yankees top three in the rotation of Masahiro Tanaka, Michael Pineda and CC Sabathia had three consecutive bad starts, Nova had to be a stopper and he was as New York took the finale of a three game series with a 10-2 win over the lowly Philadelphia Phillies.

And it was important for Nova to prove that his comeback was complete. Just as important was the Yankees getting a win and preventing the Phillies from getting a three-game sweep in the Bronx.

“Sinker was really good and the curve,” said Yankees manager Joe Girardi about Nova. The manager said everything was good and that included the command and how Nova kept his pace. It was Nova’s first Major League appearance since April 19th of last year at Tampa Bay, and the final numbers showed he was ready:

He retired eight of the first nine batters faced, 19 of his first 22, tossed 6.2 innings, allowed three hits, two walks, had one strikeout and allowed no-runs.

The last number, no runs was a change of pace because over the past three games the Yankees starters and bullpen allowed 34 runs to the Phillies, a team that scores the second fewest runs in baseball. There was no doubt that Nova is what the Yankees needed as they embarked on their two city road trip, with four games at Houston and three against the Los Angeles Angels.

Girardi never had his doubts about Nova. “He’s pitched well in our rotation the last few years,” he said. “We missed him the last 14-months.”

And Nova is what the Yankees need now, especially when it appears that Sabathia is no longer pitching like an ace, there are questions about a Tanaka elbow and then there is the inconsistency of Pineda.

Until what Nova did on the mound Wednesday afternoon. the lone reliable Yankees starter has been Adam Warren who got a win over the Detroit Tigers last Friday night, and it will probably mean he returns to the bullpen unless Girardi decides to go with a six-man rotation.

The command from Nova was nice to see, and the talk was how hard the 28-year old worked hard to get back.

“It was more than expected,” Nova said about his return performance in the Bronx. He was asked if this was more special than his debut with the Yankees, and his first start in 2010.

“This was more,” he said, “Because I worked through rehab.” It was 14-months and constantly working with the rehab process down in Tampa Florida, but starting a season on the sidelines and anxious to get back made the process easier for Nova, who according to Girardi has always been instrumental in the Yankees pitching rotation.

Said Nova, who was thrilled to be back and contributing to his team,”I think that’s one of the best things, not only to come back, but to do it in front of the Yankees fans. It’s amazing the way they treated me today, so I’m really happy.” When his day was over after throwing 92 pitches, the 45,877 in the matinee crowd gave Nova a standing ovation and he responded by tipping his cap. It was a happy return and the outing Nova, the Yankees and their fans needed. Girardi had said the pitch limit for this first start would be no more than 95 pitches.

Nova added, “ When I was walking to the mound, I didn’t believe it had been 14 months. I was able to keep calm and try to do my best out there. Think positive the whole time. I was ready to go.”

But five days ago, in a final rehab start at Triple -A Scranton, Nova was ineffective and the curve ball, this according to a longtime scout, was not breaking as he allowed five earned runs, and seven hits in seven innings. There was discussion of possibly moving back his return and having one or two more rehab stints at Scranton.

The schedule is favorable for Nova to be here now and contribute, and Girardi commented that works in his favor to build up more.

“Thing is, he is healthy and sound,” Girardi said. “He’s not thrown a lot of innings this year so its not like you’re asking him to throw 200 innings.” And the ability to throw strikes and get fly ball outs showed that the command was there.

And there was that pace that Nova had, something that impressed Girardi and his teammates who were more than happy to see him back on the mound.

“Not a whole lot works him up but given the circumstances and the year off he had, it would be easy to be a little too aggressive out there,” said John Ryan Murphy the catcher who saw the calm and comfort Nova had behind the plate.

“Early in the game,” Murphy said, “we just wanted to get rolling and get him some outs under his belt and we did that. He got comfortable there and kept his nerves calm and did a great job.”

And for the Yankees it was what they needed as they gained a game on Tampa Bay in the tight AL East race for first place in late June.

Was Cole Hamels loss to Yanks on Wednesday his final game with the Phillies?

By Howard Goldin

Although most of the writing on the final game of the Yankees-Phillies four game series at Yankee Stadium will be devoted to the excellent pitching of Ivan Nova in his first major league start in 14 months, there should also be interest in what could have been Phillies starter, Cole Hamels, last game in a Phillies’ uniform.

Hamels, a native of San Diego, California, has been a member of the zPhiladelphia Phillies organization since being drafted in the first round of the 2002 MLB First Year Players Draft.

The lefthander made his major league debut in May of 2006. After an outstanding rookie campaign, Hamelswith double figure victories in each of the next five seasons was an important contributor to the Phillies qualifying for post-season play in each of those years, 2007-2011. His playoff pitching in 2008 was exceptionally impressive as he was named MVP in both the National league Championship Series (NLCS) and in the World Series. His superlative work was also recognized by him being chosen for the National League all-Star team in three seasons, 2007, 2011 and 2012.

Despite his fine pitching or perhaps because of it, Hamels was considered a candidate for free agency in 2012, but elected to sign a long-term renewal with Philadelpia, six years (through 2018) with a club option for 2019.

During the past two seasons, 2013 and 2014, Hamelshas not reached double figures in wins. That may appear to be a decline, but the full story is somewhat different. In 2013, Hamels had the seventh lowest run support average among National League starters. In 2014, the support from his teammates declined further as he was sixth lowest in the league. Also, he had his lowest season ERA of 2.46 and finished sixth in the voting for the Cy Young Award. It should also be noted that the Phillies completed both years with a record beneath .500.

The story is not very different this season for Hamels. His record is 5-6, but he still lacks offensive support. After his five innings on the mound at Yankee stadium on Wednesday, not a Phillies run has been scored in 32 of the last 33 innings he has been on the mound.

The 31 year-old may soon have a change of scenery. His name has been prominently mentioned in trade rumors. Although not one reporter asked a question on that topic to Philadelphia manager Ryne Sandberg after Wednesday’s game, several queries were raised to Hamels.

The veteran pitcher, now in his 10th season with Philadelphia, spoke carefully on the subject, “We all understand what’s going on. We’re trying to develop young, good Phillies ballplayers. They’ve got to make their decision. [It’s an] organization decision. You [the player] don’t really have control of anything.”

As far as he was concerned, he remarked, “I’m just trying to stay healthy, and put up good results for this team. That’s all I’, focused on.”

While the last place team’s management may trade Hamels for young players who are prospects for the future, whichever team gains the services of the experienced lefthander will have a plus for their organization.

BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 23- Sunday afternoon Masahiro Tanaka allowed a career-high three home runs and tied his mark of seven runs in five innings as the New York Yankees headed to an early loss against the Detroit Tigers. Monday night, Michael Pineda, the Yankees most effective pitcher was not any better as New York lost the opening of a three-game series to the Philadelphia Phillies 11-8.

So in two games, and with supposedly the most reliable tandem on the mound, manager Joe Girardi must be wondering are these the arms that can be depended on to win a mediocre AL east division? In two straight games Yankees pitching gave up a combined 23 runs, and CC Sabathia who at times shows some signs of becoming an ace again will get the ball Tuesday night in the Bronx.

The good news, assuming Sabathia can’t get the job done, is the return of Ivan Nova Wednesday afternoon, his first start in

over a year since undergoing Tommy John Surgery. And there is always a concern about the 35-year-old Sabathia and his history of elbow and knee issues.

But the Yankees need to get more consistent on the mound if they are serious about not missing the postseason a third straight year. The Phillies, a team last in baseball in runs scored, probably wish Pineda was on the mound every time they take the field.

Pineda had no command. The slider which helped him compile 16 strikeouts a month ago against the Orioles, and had him throw six no-hit innings against the Marlins last Wednesday night in the Bronx, was not visible. The eight runs allowed in 3.11 innings, 11-hits and a home run ball took the Yankees quickly out of another ballgame.

Now the questions are about Tanaka and Pineda. Are there concerns about a Tanaka elbow that is being overworked and headed to eventual surgery? And is Pineda once again feeling effects of a bad right shoulder that put him twice on the disabled list the past two years?

“It’s hard to tell,” said Pitching coach Larry Rothschild regarding any impact on Pineda of a 116- pitch count performance in that game against the Orioles.

He added, “His last time out, he was as good as he was probably at any time. I don’t know that we can have the answer to that. I don’t think it’s the case, but there’s no way to know if it is or isn’t.”

However, Girardi and Rothschild need to get some answers, and they have to come soon. There has been some discussion about Girardi going to a six-man pitching rotation and that may not work because pitchers are creatures of habit and need that consistency.

And, at the moment the most reliable and consistent starter has been Adam Warren who recorded his fifth win of the season in a Yankees 7-2 win over the Tigers Friday night. Also keep in mind that has been a surprise, because Warren was supposed to be the odd man out and designated to bullpen duty.

But there has been a change of events and the unexpected that should have the Yankees brass in some type of panic mode. Though not even a half of the season has yet to be played, there is plenty of time to get the pitching issues addressed.

Girardi is not in that panic mode, and you can’t blame him because the one question was the offense and the Yankees have had no issue hitting home runs. His team is second in baseball with the long ball as Brett Gardner and Brian McCann put the Yankees back in a game that saw the Phillies get a season high in runs and in hits.

Pineda said he is healthy and there are no issues. Girardi has his reasons why the right-hander, 8-4, had a bad evening on the mound.

“It's been kind of up and down, and that's hard to figure out," Girardi said. "Sometimes they just go through stretches like that, the starters, and then they'll reel off six or seven good ones in a row. You've got to make pitches every time you go out. That's the bottom line. Tonight he just didn't.”

Girardi added, “It starts with your starting pitching.” Indeed it does and if he and Rothschild don’t find answers for consistency that leads to more questions and a prevailing one:

How far will the Yankees get to October without good starting pitching that is needed to get there?

BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 22- Turning the tables on the New York Yankees who had 18 hits and five home runs on Saturday night, the Detroit Tigers responded with 15 hits and five homers the following day to easily defeat the Yanks. Six of the Detroit hits, four of the homers and 10 of the runs batted in came off the bats of J.D. and Victor Martinez.

Victor Martinez smacked a two-run homer in the first with two out to double his season total of home runs. The 36-year-old star was activated two days earlier after spending more than one month on the disabled list with left knee inflammation.

The native of Venezuela also drove in two additional runs with a single in his second at bat. Obviously, Detroit skipper Brad Ausmus was happy to see last year’s runner-up in the American League MVP voting back in the lineup, “It was a good sight to see. He turned on three balls today.”

J.D. Martinez blasted his first homer of the contest with a man on base, two batters after Victor in the first frame. The native Floridian led off the fifth with a solo home run to drive in his third run of the game. He has reached base safely in his last 15 games.

Victor Martinez and native Cuban Yoenis Cespedes were on base after each singled when JD belted his third homer of the contest to raise his RBI total of the day to six.

Despite Martinez never having had a multi-home run game in his previous 442 major league contests, Ausmus was not surprised by the power he exhibited, “J.D,’s got a lot of power. All three of those homers were not cheap. Outside of Miggy [Miguel Cabrera], I’ve never seen a guy with more power.’

J.D. made out in his previous two at bats against Tanaka, but believed the difference on Sunday was Tanaka “left the ball up.” He also explained, “I hit it good, but the ball carries well here.”

Martinez was asked by reporters if he was trying for a MLB tying record of four home runs in his final at bat of the contest, “I was definitely anxious. I don’t think he gave me one strike.” Martinez flied to right in that last trip to the plate.

The feat of hitting three home runs in a single game had only been one before at the current Yankee Stadium (Curtis Granderson on April 19, 2012).

BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 20- With two out and no men on base in the first inning on Friday, June 19, Alex Rodriguez homered on a 95 mph fastball from Justin Verlander of the Tigers to join the MLB 3,000 hit club. He wasted no time as it was the first pitch he saw. Rodriguez is the 29th MLB player to become a member of this exclusive fraternity.

Rodriguez is the first to reach 3,000 hits since Derek Jeter on July 9, 2011. He will only be the second player, along with Jeter, to reach that milestone while a member of the Yankees. He is also only the third of the 29 to homer for his 3,000th. He follows Jeter and Wade Boggs.

It appeared destined that Yankee fans in the Bronx would have the opportunity to witness the special event in person as Rodriguez began the current homestand with 2,995 hits and eight games scheduled at Yankee Stadium. He hit safely twice on Wednesday, twice on Thursday and was obviously, prepared for Friday.

He commented after the game, “It’s a magical number, 3,000. I’m glad to be in the club. [I’m] very emotional, overwhelmed. I’m so happy to do it here in front of the fans. I was especially happy my two daughters were here.”

When asked what would be most remembered by him about this day, he replied, “After the last out, Miguel Cabrera came over and gave me a hug. That’s what I’ll take away from this day 20 years from now."

As the days pass, Rodriguez moves higher and higher in the ranks of career offensive statistics. He is the second player in MLB history to drive in more than 2,000 runs. Rodriguez’s RBI total (2,004) is only below the 2,297 of Hank Aaron.

The 39 year-old ranks fourth in career home runs with 667. He is currently only behind Babe Ruth (714), Hank Aaron (755) and Barry Bonds (762). He is sixth in extra base hits with 1,228. He ranks eighth in runs scored with 1,957

When asked which of these accomplishments meant the most to him, he answered, “RBI and runs because that’s how you win games. The most important thing is to win the game.

Rodriguez’s impressive career statistics are not only a measure of his lengthy 20+ year MLB career, but of a collection of outstanding individual seasons. The infielder compiled 13 consecutive years of blasting 30 or more home runs and driving in at least 100 runs (1998-2010). He also scored more than 100 runs in 13 straight years (1996-2008).

Those achievements were rewarded with many honors. A-Rod was selected to the American League All-Star team 14 times. He was a 10 time Silver Slugger winner and twice won a Gold Glove for fielding prowess at shortstop. Rodriguez was also the A.L. MVP in 2003, 2005 and 2007.

The career numbers should be put into perspective by the large amount of games A-Rod missed during the past few years. He was suspended by MLB for all 162 games in 2014. In addition, he missed 221 games during the previous three seasons (2011-2013) due to injuries.

A question must also be raised regarding the affect upon Rodriguez’s stats by the use of PEDs. The answer to that cannot be scientifically be determined. He implied his thoughts now are not on the Hall of fame or the past as he is preparing “to finish my career so I can be proud and do it the right way.”

BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 19- Like it or not, depending on your feeling about Alex Rodriguez and his year-long suspension from baseball due to using performance enhancing drugs, but career hit number 3,000 is near and it will probably come Friday night in the Bronx.

A milestone for A-Rod that very few have achieved and you have to dig deep into the Yankees media notes to get the vital statistics. That’s another matter for another day because the Yankees will have to acknowledge the hit when it comes.

But Thursday night, with A-Rod at the plate in the eighth inning, and one hit shy of making history, the Yankee Stadium crowd anticipated the moment. They, as they have always done this season, stood and cheered Rodriguez as the cameras were ready to take photos and videos as he stepped to the plate.

Except they were disappointed, as were the media in the press box because Marlins’ reliever Sam Dyson did not cooperate by issuing four inside pitches for a ball. When Rodriguez went to first base the fans continued to show their displeasure at Dyson for not making them witness baseball history because A-Rod awaits another night to become the 29th player to get 3,000 career hits.

Dyson, if you can believe it, said it was more important to get the out, that it was more of an incentive to get A-Rod out. He claimed to not hear the fans and could care less about history. Perhaps that can be believed but the Marlins at that juncture were trailing by six runs and Dyson gave up four, all earned.

“I don't even know how to describe it," Rodriguez said about the cheers and fan support. "It feels good. Every time moments like that happen, I can just take a moment to reflect that a year ago today. Their support has actually helped me play a lot better."

The year ago was reference again to his suspension, and to many skeptics another milestone to them does not belong in the record books.

But, in all due respect to Alex Rodriguez, he has gone with the plan and been the team player. There has been no wrong statements, and his answers to the media have been about appreciation and not about himself. Reaching this milestone does not have an impact that Derek Jeter received when he hit the 3,000 plateau, then again there is no comparison when it comes to A-Rod and Jeter.

Rodriguez had an impact in the Yankees 9-4 win over the Marlins getting two hits that made that eighth inning at bat one for drama. That first hit drove in a run that got him closer to the milestone and added to his record career RBI total.

Manager Joe Girardi was also hoping the hit would come. “Was hoping to get it out of the way,” he said. “He will get another opportunity tomorrow. Think the crowd wanted to see it. I an understand. Dyson was trying to get him out.”

But those fans, many who won’t be in the Bronx Friday night, wanted to see a hit and not a walk. This was not one night they cheered for A-Rod as they have been in his corner all season. And Girardi, when asked, once again became the philosopher regarding the fans and how they have supported Rodriguez, who is having a comeback type first half of the season.

“Fans just want to see the players do well,” he said. “I think it's the society we live in. Most people will pull for your own team, no matter what the situation is and people want to see people come back. Giving people second chances. Most people in this room have made mistakes. One thing about Alex you see him get better everyday and he loves the game. The guys in that room respect him,” referring to the support A-Rod has received from his teammates.

Girardi added, “People are appreciative of what he has done for our club this year and how he’s helped us with winning.”

It also helps that the Yankees won again, that CC Sabathia threw the ball well and did not get the decision despite pitching six innings on three hits, and not issuing a walk for the fifth time this season. Carlos Beltran finally heard some cheers and put the Yankees ahead with a two-run homer in the seventh.

But the night was all about Alex Rodriguez and his quest to 3,000 hits. He surpassed the quest of having the fans in his corner, and it can only get better when he gets the milestone hit in the Bronx and continues to help the Yankees get wins.